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102 years ago, my father was born (December 29, 1918).  In the little village of Kindersley!

And the stars shone bright – perhaps.  It was a rather holy night – at least for those of us who follow legacy and example.

My father would not have considered himself a king (in case you were wondering, the first few lines of this blog mimic a song called “Birthday of a King”).

Dad was humble. 

He was not a celebrity, although those around him liked him very much.

He was not an intellectual academic, although he was a bit of a genius in the whole area of math and physics.

He was not a contractor, although he built and renovated houses over the years.

He was not a super dad, although he provided well for his children and left us memories that have lasted for decades.

There is much more could be said, and I have said much more in the past.

Thanks, dad, for your example – not least of which is being a godly man who loved Jesus, his family and those he brought into his life.

I ran across Jonathan Pennington when I reviewed his book on Flourishing found in the Sermon on the Mount.  When I saw a paper he had written on Church as Community Gathered, I had to read the article!

Maybe his firm planting in the book of Matthew intrigues me.  Maybe my early memorizing of the same book while in high school pushed me to explore his thoughts.  Perhaps I’m just curious since I’m constantly trying to understand what the church is.

Pennington makes it easy.  Three pictures.  That’s all (OK, academic papers are never that easy!)

*  the church is a family,

*  the church is a school of disciples

*  the church is citizens of a kingdom not of this world.

Start from there and see where you end up.

I was preaching yesterday – December 27th.  The church was not full, as if we were between two bookends with only a few books in between.

My outline was simple.

Jesus came for all.  Christmas reminds us that everyone, no matter what your diversity, how well you have been included in your culture, or whether you are treated equally by those around you – everyone is affected by God’s invitation through Jesus to enter into personal relationship with God.

Jesus claims our all.  Walk with Jesus through the narratives we find in the Bible.  While we live in a gig economy, where we have more than one master – Jesus calls for a single hearted followership.  Invitation is coupled with commitment.

Jesus confers all on all who believe.  Into the mix of commitment comes inheritance.  Jesus’ riches are our riches. 

Everyone, Everywhere, Everything, Evermore.

Quite a few months ago, when this was possible, I sat down with my Aunt Grayce.  We were having coffee and the group was reflecting on favourite beverages.

Aunt Grayce, now tilting into her late 80’s, mentioned that she liked some Bailey’s in her coffee.

I mentioned that her mother was a stalwart member of the WCTU (Women’s Christian Temperance Union). 

Aunt Grayce replied:  “I’m of age.”